Architects deliberate issues afflicting city

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Architects Forum (MAF) organized an exhibition cum seminar on the theme SHILLONG NEXT 2014 on Friday on the premises of the Arts and Culture Hall of the State Central Library. Barijuban Kharwanlang, president of MAF, opened the seminar and exhibition of works by member architects of Meghalaya. Kharwanlang said it was a privilege for the MAF to play the role of a catalyst in creating a public platform to discuss urban related issues concerning the future of Shillong in the form of a panel discussion towards the future directions of the New Shillong Township and Wah Umkhrah. Personalities like Toki Blah, Naba Bhattacharjee, A.H. Scott Lyngdoh, Sumarbin Umdor, Michael Syiem, Bantehsong Blah and representatives from the MeECL and the MAF took part in the panel discussions on the topics New Shillong Township What Next and Wah Umkhrah What Next, where issues related to the problems and possible solutions involving these two entities were discussed. The panelists also wanted to know whether there was a master plan for the New Shillong Township and whether land has been zoned as per the master plan or randomly distributed to various institutions. Issues of land ownership, necessary permissions to change agricultural land to commercial land, infrastructure development and the road connection from New Shillong Township to Shillong were also taken up for discussion. The panel discussion on Wah Umkhrah attracted a lot of response from the audience who questioned issues of ownership of the river, the need to segregate the pollutants from the river and redevelopment of the river front as recreational facilities for the public. According to the participants, it was unfortunate that there were no representatives from the State Government at the panel discussions. Among others who also spoke on the discussion was Angela Rangad who spoke on the urban problems of present Shillong and Aiban S. Mawkhroh who presented a slide show on the meaning of Khasi traditional house forms. The other highlight of the event was an art installation by members of the MAF.

Originally posted here:
Architects deliberate issues afflicting city